mercerize

verb mer·cer·ize \ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz\

mer·cer·izedmer·cer·iz·ing

Definition of MERCERIZE

transitive verb

: to give (as cotton yarn) luster, strength, and receptiveness to dyes by treatment under tension with caustic soda

— mer·cer·i·za·tion \ˌmərs-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌmər-sə-\ noun

See mercerize defined for kids

John Mercer †1866 English calico printer

First Known Use: 1852

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